The Whole Counsel Of God
There is an interesting story in Jeremiah 42. The remaining people in Jerusalem, after the king of Babylon had destroyed the walls and temple, asked Jeremiah to pray to God and inquire as to the course of action they should take for the future. They said in v. 2 “Please pray for us…v3 that the Lord may show us the way in which we should walk and the things we should do” Jeremiah agreed to pray for the people, and in ten days the Lord answered and Jeremiah told the people exactly what they should do and how to do it. As soon as Jeremiah was finished in Chapter 43 some of the leaders accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely.
The scenario has not changed in 2600 years. People today ask the preachers the same questions and when told the truth, accuse the preacher of speaking falsehoods. So many preachers find they are not popular and respected and are actually hated just like Jeremiah was hated. So they stop teaching the truth and teach that which the people want to hear. This is nothing new, because in 2 Timothy 4:3, Paul tells that people will not endure sound doctrine and will gather to themselves preachers that will tickle their ears and speak that which is not harsh or demanding.
Preachers have a choice in what to preach. They can preach falsehoods and be treated like a god. [Did you know the title “reverend” is a name of God, (Psalm 111:9 ) and men wear that title without God’s approval?(read also Matthew 23:1-12)] Preachers can mix some truth along with some error and still be considered by many to be God’s spokespersons. Some preachers can actually speak partial truths and they give their listeners a choice to do or not do and are fine with that. But the true teachers of God’s word will preach the truth of God’s word. And they will most likely be disliked and hated and mocked and insulted. And they will be respected by only a few people who desire to serve God in truth and righteousness. Paul said to the Ephesians elders in his last meeting with them that he did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God. That means that nothing was left out of the preaching and everything a person needed to know in order to get to heaven was preached by Paul.
If your preacher does not declare the whole counsel of God, you need a new preacher. But how will you know this? Be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and study the Bible for yourself. If your preacher will not start preaching ALL the truth, then you must make the change to find a preacher that will teach all the truth. We invite you to visit us and see if we do as we say.
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God(2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor Sept 10,2008

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